2015-03-05: World Rugby
signs historic agreement with International Gay Rugby

World Rugby and the International
Gay Rugby (IGR) have signed an historic agreement
to collaborate on the continued promotion of equality
and inclusivity in rugby.

The agreement, signed at World Rugby House in Dublin
this week, outlines a commitment between the two organisations
to work together to educate and eliminate homophobia
in rugby.

Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding,
World Rugby and IGR recognise and respect:

• the right of any player, official
and spectator to be involved with rugby without
discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation
or identification
• the common goal of inclusion and the elimination
of homophobia in rugby

World Rugby and IGR will consult on issues of
importance to members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgender (LGBT) community and the game of rugby
by:

• developing a positive and mutually
beneficial relationship based on a sense of shared
purpose
• working with regional associations and member
unions to improve tolerance and acceptance of LGBT
players at all levels within rugby union
• providing educational tools to World Rugby
member unions to support in the elimination of homophobia
in rugby
• supporting the promotion and development
of IGR’s events

World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “Rugby
is an inclusive sport which has at its heart character-building
values of passion, integrity, solidarity, respect
and discipline. The signing of this historic agreement
underscores our commitment to those values and our
strategic vision – a game for all, true to its
values.

“We look forward to collaborating with International
Gay Rugby to promote inclusivity, equality and friendship
as rugby continues to reach out, engage and inspire
more men, women and children than ever before.”

International Gay Rugby Chairman Jeff Wilson said:
“This is a momentous occasion for LGBT athletes,
supporters, officials and administrators and the people
who support them in the game of rugby. World Rugby
is the first international sport organisation and
governing body to commit to actively eliminating homophobia
from any sport. We are committed to partnering with
World Rugby to continue our work of making rugby the
most inclusive and tolerant sport in the world.”

“The bold step by World Rugby to commit to these
shared purposes with IGR reflects the character-building
values that are important to us all in the sport.
Hopefully, other sporting governing bodies can look
to World Rugby as a role model and follow suit.”